Monday, March 29, 2021

Springtime and Robots

Even as the weather turns nice we are continuing our once a week robotics sessions.  There is just so much to do.

We've never built anything with chain drive mechanisms.  Well it's time to learn.  So a stock of chain, tools and gizmos has been laid in.  Here, learn this stuff.  Try not to break anything expensive.


I tossed in a few artifacts from the workshop.  Nearly twenty years ago I bought a retired Battlebot named Amish Rebellion.  I've been using its parts for various things ever since.  There were even some sprockets of the proper size for our chain.  We can't use previously made components in our final product, but for experiments and prototypes, sure.


Build table.  Working on chain drive and finishing up electrical connectors.


Our new build space has some significant advantages.  I can stand in one place and see all the subteams at work.  I turn around and here is the CAD team working on something interesting....


Software has large screen view now, which should make teaching a bit easier.  We are losing more kids off of this subteam than any other.  Fortunately we have a good group of prospects on our radar, and we look heavy on the programming side there.  Help is on the way.


Solid work in a long campaign.  We won't be back to competition for almost another full year.  And almost half of these kids won't see it, what with graduations and moving out of the area.  And still they turn up to work.  Even as spring blooms outside.

No comments: